Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Approved Arrangements
For 1.3—Sea and air freight depot
(restricted)
Requirements—Version 4.0
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
1
Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
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Canberra ACT 2601
Switchboard +61 2 6272 3933
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Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
2
Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Version control
Updates to this document will occur automatically on the department’s website and this revision
table will list the amendments as they are approved.
Date
Version
Amendments
Approved by
9 May 2011
1.0
Revised document.
Co-regulation and Support
Program
30 Jun 2013
1.1
Updated to reflect DAFF
branding.
Industry Arrangements
Reform Program
22 Feb 2016
2.0
Updated template
Approved Arrangements
section
Amended fumigation
criterion.
Changes to the following
criterion:
2 May 2016
Wash bay
Waste water recycling
2.1
Approved Arrangements
section
Separation/security
16 Jun 2016
3.0
Updated references to the
department and the
Biosecurity Act 2015.
Approved Arrangements
section
9 January 2017
4.0
Added requirement to
attach a site map to new
applications and submit
one for new construction
projects.
Approved Arrangements
section
Changes to the following
criteria:

Biosecurity/inspection
areas

Fumigation

Waste water recycling
(optional)

Hypochlorite
treatement of waste
water (optional)

Removed:
duplication with
general
requirements
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Contents
Guide to using this document ...................................................................................................................... 5
Definitions ...................................................................................................................................................................5
Other documents ......................................................................................................................................................5
Nonconformity guide ..............................................................................................................................................5
AA Requirements ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Guide to using this document
This document sets out the requirements that must be met before the relevant director will
consider approval for the provision of biosecurity activities under section 406 of the Biosecurity
Act 2015, otherwise known as an approved arrangement (AA).
This document specifies the requirements to be met for the approval, operation and audit of this
class of AA. Compliance with the requirements will be assessed by audit.
In the event of any inconsistency between these requirements and any Import Permit condition,
the Import Permit condition applies. If the applicant chooses to use automatic language
translation services in connection with this document, it is done so at the applicant’s risk.
Unless specified otherwise, any references to ‘the department’ or ‘departmental’ means the
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Any references to contacting the department
mean contacting your closest regional office.
Further information on AAs, regional contact details and copies of relevant AA documentation is
available on the department’s website.
Definitions
Definitions that are not contained within the Approved Arrangements Glossary can be found in
the Biosecurity Act 2015 or the most recent edition of the Macquarie Dictionary.
Other documents
The AA General Policies should be read in conjunction with these requirements. They will assist
in understanding and complying with the obligations and requirements for the establishment
and operation of an AA.
Nonconformity guide
The nonconformity classification against each criterion is provided as a guide only. If more than
one nonconformity is listed against a requirement, the actual nonconformity applied will
correspond to the gravity of the issue. The nonconformity recorded against any requirement
remains at the discretion of the biosecurity officer.
Nonconformity classifications are detailed in the AA General Policies.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
AA Requirements
Table 1 Purpose
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
1.1 AA sites utilised for the deconsolidation of sea and
air cargo. These AA sites are approved to enable the
following activities to occur:
Not applicable

storage, inspection and/or treatment of cargo from
all countries with correct certification and correct
or incorrect packing documentation

inspection and/or treatment of personal and
household effects

inspection and/or treatment of military cargo and
vehicles

commodity verification tailgates

cleaning and re-inspection of break bulk machinery
(after initial inspection at 1.1 or wharf) when
appropriate and approved sites are available

containerised machinery inspections and the
fumigation and cleaning of these goods when
appropriate and approved sites are available

holding and/or treatment of dunnage and non ISPM
15 compliant packing.
1.2 The fumigation area and wash bay may be, either
onsite or at another department approved AA site.
Not applicable
1.3 Under this class of AA, sites are only approved for
the specific operations, and are not approved for any
other biosecurity operations unless the site has
separate approval under another class.
Not applicable
1.4 Class 1.3 depots are not approved for noncontainerised machinery inspections, rural container
inspections (unless the AA site has a wash facility 16 m
x 5 m, tailgate facilities, and is in the metropolitan area
of a declared seaport), fresh fruit and vegetable
inspections, cut flower inspections, external container
inspections, the receival, holding, inspection of live
animals, or the storage, inspection or treatment of
incorrectly certified agricultural products from khapra
beetle countries.
Not applicable
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 2 Site location
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
2.1 The AA sites are to be located within the
metropolitan areas surrounding a proclaimed port in a
city with a permanently based biosecurity officer. The
department defines metropolitan areas on the basis of
postcode (for the Australian Capital Territory, only AA
sites located in postcodes 2609 or 2620 are eligible for
approval under this class). A list of valid metropolitan
postcodes for biosecurity purposes can be found on the
department's website. AA sites located outside of
postcodes classified as metropolitan areas will also
have to show that they are able to comply with the
additional requirements that are applied to AA sites in
these locations. The department will consider the
application on its individual merits with consideration
being given to the biosecurity risk and serviceability
associated with each AA site’s location.
Not applicable
Table 3 Isolation
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
3.1 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be kept in
the biosecurity area.
Major or critical
3.2 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be stored
in such a manner to ensure that a minimum of one
pallet width or an impervious physical barrier is
maintained between goods subject to biosecurity
control and other goods.
Major
Table 4 Security
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
4.1 If the AA site holds a current 77G Depot licence
issued by the Australian Border Force, the site will be
deemed to have complied with requirements of security
in relation to size and location.
Alternatively, the biosecurity area must be of a size
commensurate with the proposed quantity of goods
being handled and must be located within a secure
lockable building that is located in an area surrounded
by a lockable person-proof security fence.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 5 Biosecurity area
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
5.1 Security measures must be in place that prevent
access and removal of goods subject to biosecurity
control by unauthorised persons.
Major
5.2 The biosecurity area must be sufficiently isolated
from the main thoroughfare and clearly defined by
either a:
Minor

painted yellow line on the floor

permanently affixed person-proof security fence

separate room or

other department-approved method.
5.3 The biosecurity area must have an impervious
concrete or asphalt floor that is in good condition and
free of significant cracking which may enable the escape
of insects, or allow weeds to become established.
5.4 The biosecurity and inspection areas must allow for
biosecurity officers to easily inspect goods without
work health and safety risks.
5.5 A non-absorbent white top inspection table must be
provided for inspection. It must:

be a minimum of 1 m wide x 2 m long and 0.9 m to 1
m high

have a power point in close proximity

have an artificial light of not less than 600 lux
intensity

be located within a biosecurity inspection area.
Major
5.6 Biosecurity areas must be managed to allow
biosecurity officers to conduct adequate inspections of
goods in a timely and effective manner. This can occur
by having:

illumination to a sufficient level within a building
(this will require a minimum 400 lux in storage
areas and 600 lux in biosecurity inspection areas)

goods accessible for inspection (this will require
that goods be stored no more than 2.5 m high unless
racks are used).
Major
Note: Accessible means goods must be able to be
inspected as directed by a biosecurity officer. Generally,
block stacking will not be regarded as being accessible.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 6 Building and storage areas
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
6.1 Buildings and structures must be maintained in a
state of good repair and be weather-proof. Wall and
floor junctions must be sealed, or some other measure
must be in place to ensure that vegetation does not
grow into the building.
Major
6.2 Buildings, designated biosecurity areas and
biosecurity inspection areas (including storage and
receival zones, chutes etc), must be kept clean. Cargo
and packaging residues, contaminants and spillages
must be cleaned up and correctly disposed of as
biosecurity waste without delay.
Major
6.3 Cargo to be treated in the wash bay, where tarped or
containerised upon receipt, must remain tarped, be
stored under cover, in a container or on an impervious
surface that drains directly to sewer until such time as it
can be moved to the wash bay for cleaning.
Major
6.4 Biosecurity signs must:
Minor

be securely affixed

be durable

be prominently displayed and able to be clearly read
by persons approaching the area at all times

have black lettering on yellow background

contain the words 'Biosecurity Area - No
unauthorised entry or removal of goods, Penalties
Apply' or 'Quarantine Area - No unauthorised entry
or removal of goods, Penalties Apply' or words to
similar effect.
Note: Where new signs are being produced, they should
use biosecurity not quarantine.
Table 7 Hygiene
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
7.1 An effective pest control system must be in place to
ensure that AA sites are managed in a way that
effectively isolates goods subject to biosecurity control
from environments in which pest and disease are likely
to become established. As a minimum this will require
the AA site to implement, and keep associated records
of a periodic inspection regime and ensure knockdown
spray (i.e. standard household aerosol insecticide
spray) is kept onsite. In addition to details of the
inspection regime and the onsite location of the
knockdown spray, the pest control system may include:
Major

the use of insecticides, fumigation, rodenticides,
periodic inspection, baits and/or traps

a site plan with numbered bait stations
 if applicable, contract details.
Note: The operations of adjacent facilities must be
considered when determining any additional pest
control measures to be implemented.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 8 Fumigation
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
Where there are biosecurity fumigation facilities at the
AA site the following applies.
Not applicable
8.1 The location and size of the fumigation area must be
clearly marked on a site plan.
Minor
8.2 The fumigation area must have a:
Major

•minimum 3 metres clearance around the enclosure
in the open or 6 metres where the area is located in
an enclosed facility

•power supply available (either mains or
generator).
8.3 The fumigation site floor, for sheeted containers and
stacks must be impermeable to the fumigant.
Major
8.4 A fumigation chamber must be:
Major

constructed of impervious rigid materials

imperviously sealed where there are joints

gas tight when the door is closed (without the need
to use tape, sealant or other similar methods to gain
a gas tight seal)

fitted with an inbuilt circulation system which
distributes the fumigant throughout the chamber.
8.5 The fumigation chamber must pass a pressure test
every 6 months with a minimum pressure decay time
from 200 to 100 Pa of 10 seconds or more. Records of
pressure testing must be made available to a
biosecurity officer upon request.
Major
Where there are no biosecurity fumigation facilities at
the AA site the following applies.
Not applicable
8.6 Goods being moved off site for fumigation must be:
Major or critical

secured in order to prevent the potential escape
and/or spread of biosecurity risk material

transported directly to a department approved site,
in line with the applicable departmental direction.
Table 9 Internal container inspections (optional)
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
9.1 Either an approved container inspection ramp or
equipment to safely and adequately place the container
on the ground for inspection must be available. If no
container inspection ramp is provided, an area with an
impervious surface must be available for conducting
internal container inspections.
Major
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 10A Wash bays
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
Where there are no biosecurity wash bay facilities at
the AA site the following applies.
Not applicable
10.1 Goods being moved off site for cleaning must be:
Major or critical

secured in order to prevent the potential escape
and/or spread of biosecurity risk material

transported directly to a department-approved site,
in line with the applicable departmental direction.
Where there are biosecurity wash bay facilities at the
AA site the following applies.
Not applicable
10.2 The location and size of the wash bay must be
clearly marked on the site plan.
Minor
10.3 The wash bay must be commensurate with the size
of the proposed imports to be handled by the AA site.
Major
10.4 No unauthorised traffic or personnel (those not
involved in the cleaning of goods subject to biosecurity
control) or equipment are permitted on the wash pad,
ramp or wash bay during treatments and cleaning.
Major
10.5 The wash bay must be constructed in accordance
with the following:
Major

a concrete floor which is liquid impervious

a floor drain leading into a soil trap which is
connected directly to municipal sewer or to another
waste water disposal system approved by the
department.

any waste water storage, treatment and reticulation
system must be enclosed.
10.6 There must be adequate equipment available in
order to carry out cleaning (steam/high pressure) and
chemical disinfection spraying operations as directed
by biosecurity officers.
Major or critical
10.7 A car hoist, inspection pit, ramp or stand is to be
available, where required, for the inspection of the
undercarriage of cars.
Major or critical
10.8 Areas immediately adjacent to the wash bay should
have an impermeable surface. If the area surrounding
the wash pad has vegetation, the department will
inspect for introduced weed species (at cost to the
Biosecurity Industry Participant (BIP)).
Minor or major
10.9 Waste water and residues from cleaning
operations must be contained within the approved
wash bay.
Major
10.10 Waste water and residues from cleaning
operations must only be discharged via the wash bay
drain.
Major
10.11 The wash bay must be washed down after
cleaning operations each day.
Major
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 10B Wash bays (continued)
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
10.12 Waste water must be screened prior to discharge
to municipal sewer or department approved
treatment/holding tank.
Critical
For AA sites that do not have direct access to sewer for
waste water discharge, waste water may be either
collected and transported off-site for discharge to sewer
by a:

waste transport service operating under an
appropriate AA with the department ; or

non-department approved waste transport service.
Where a non-department approved transport
service is used, the transport and disposal of the
waste water must be performed under department
supervision.
10.13 Soil residues from the wash bay soil trap or filter
must be disposed of as biosecurity waste.
Critical
10.14 Equipment (including footwear and protective
clothing) used in the wash bay must be cleaned prior to
removal from the wash bay.
Critical
Where recycling of waste water occurs within the wash
bay at the AA site the following applies:
Not applicable
10.15 A recycling waste water system must incorporate
screening the liquid waste through a 100 micron filter
prior to use in wash bay operations with imported
goods, including final washes. Recycled waste water is
not permitted to be used for domestic washes.
Major
10.16 Undertake weekly inspection for leaks from:
Major

pumps

valves

tanks (where applicable)

filter housing, pipes and connections where visible
10.17 When leaks are detected they must be
immediately repaired.
Major
10.18 Waste filter media and detritus/refuse captured
by filter media or screens must be treated as
biosecurity waste.
Major
10.19 Wash facilities must:
Major

be of a size commensurate with the vehicles or
equipment being cleaned

be constructed of impermeable material and in a
manner which ensures that residues/sediment and
splash from cleaning operations are contained and
flow directly into holding tanks or a municipal
sewage system or department approved system

have sewage/drainage lines protected from physical
damage.
Note: Where municipal sewage connection is not
available and tanks are used, the tanks must be fully
enclosed.
10.20 Soil traps must be installed in drains in locations
where drainage inflow is likely to contain solids (e.g.
detritus, refuse or other particulates).
Major
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 10C Wash bays (continued)
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
Where an AA site uses hypochlorite as an alternative
treatment for waste water the following applies:
Not applicable
10.21 A hypochlorite treatment system must
incorporate:
Major

screening liquid waste through a 100 micron filter
prior to treating with hypochlorite.

an enclosed liquid waste treatment tank with an
attached mechanical agitation method for mixing
hypochlorite and liquid waste.
10.22 Alternative hypochlorite treatment for waste
water (e.g. liquid waste, imported fresh water) must be
undertaken in accordance with the following process:

filtration through a 100 micron filter

liquid waste test to ensure a pH range between 5.0
and 7.0 (where the pH is not within this range, add
acid or alkaline products and bring the liquid
waste to within this range), then

add hypochlorite to achieve 200 parts per million
(ppm) free chlorine (at the end of the 10 minutes
agitation cycle), then

mechanically agitate in a retention vessel for 10
minutes, then

test (after agitation) to determine the free chlorine
level is at least 200 ppm, then

retain the waste water in the treatment tank for 1
hour following confirmation of concentration at
minimum 200 ppm, then

test that the concentration of the waste water is at
least 5 ppm free chlorine at the conclusion of the 1
hour treatment period
Major
Minor
10.23 Hypochlorite must be used within either:

the expiry date specified by the manufacturer, or

used within two years of the manufacture date.
Major
10.24 During the treatment of contaminated or
potentially contaminated liquids the AA operator must,
when operational, undertake weekly inspection for
leaks from:

pumps

valves

tanks

hypochlorite metering/dosing equipment (where
applicable)

filter housing, pipes and connections where visible.
Minor
10.25 When leaks are detected they must be
immediately repaired.
Major
10.26 All waste filter media and detritus/refuse
captured by filter media or screens must be treated as
biosecurity waste.
Major
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 10D Wash bays (continued)
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
10.27 Hypochlorite treatment records must include:
Major

date and times of testing (e.g. times when testing of
concentration is taken)

initial pH of liquid waste

pH adjustment (where required) i.e. initial pH and
final pH (after addition of acid or alkali)

amount of hypochlorite added

concentration of free chlorine in treatment tank
after agitation

amount of additional hypochlorite added (where
required)

concentration of free chlorine in treatment tank
after further agitation (when additional
hypochlorite added)

concentration of free chlorine at conclusion of 1
hour treatment and time treatment completed

date of manufacture of hypochlorite.
Table 11 Wash bays/cabinets
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
Where there are biosecurity wash cabinet facilities at
the AA site the following applies.
Not applicable
11.1 The location and size of the wash cabinet must be
clearly marked on the site plan.
Minor
11.2 The wash cabinet must be commensurate with the
size of the proposed imports to be handled by the AA
site.
Major
11.3 Wash cabinets must be constructed in accordance
with the following requirements, the:
Major

cabinet must be constructed of sturdy, impermeable
material

cabinet must have three fixed sides and a fixed top

sides of the cabinet must be attached to the base in a
manner which prevents the escape of any wash
water or cleaning residue

cabinet must incorporate, or be attached to, a soil
trap

disposal system must include a grease trap which is
connected to council approved sewer or another
waste water system approved by the department.
There must be no trade waste diversion valves in
place.

drains and tanks must be covered, and
sewerage/drainage lines must be protected from
physical damage.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 12A Dunnage and waste disposal
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
12.1 Overseas dunnage, including pallets which are
detected, must be stored in a clearly defined biosecurity
area or a biosecurity dunnage container or storage
device for a maximum period of 14 days. Within the
specified storage period, dunnage must be treated by a
department approved method.
Major
12.2 Loose items of biosecurity concern that do not
form part of the documented consignment (for example,
soil, seeds, hessian bags, fruit cartons, plant and animal
contamination) as well as any spilled goods that are of
biosecurity concern must be placed in the clearly
marked and sealed (for example, with a lid) biosecurity
waste bin.
Major
12.3 The BIP must ensure that an Accredited Person
examines the timber packaging/dunnage for the
presence of:
Major or critical

live insects and insect damage (including holes with
frass)

bark.
12.4 If live insects and/or insect damage (including
holes with frass) are detected on the timber
packaging/dunnage the BIP must ensure that:

the container doors are closed immediately to
prevent the escape of any pests

for flat racks or ULDs, a knockdown spray is applied
to insects and the goods are moved to the
biosecurity inspection area and are kept contained
and separated from other imported, domestic or
previously cleared goods

in both cases, the regional office is contacted
immediately and arrangements are made for an
inspection.
Major or critical
12.5 The live insects or frass are recorded on a
Biosecurity Risk Material Record and a copy of the
Biosecurity Risk Material Record is retained by the AA
site.
Minor
12.6 If bark is detected on the timber
packaging/dunnage, the BIP must ensure that the:
Minor, major or critical

bark is removed and disposed of by, or under the
supervision of an Accredited Person

bark is recorded on a Biosecurity Risk Material
Record and a copy of the Biosecurity Risk Material
Record is retained by the AA site

regional office is contacted and arrangements are
made for an inspection.
12.7 ISPM 15 compliant timber packaging/dunnage
does not require further inspection or treatment if it is
stored separately from other imported timber
packaging/dunnage.
Minor
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
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Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 12B Dunnage and waste disposal (continued)
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
12.8 Biosecurity waste must be effectively contained
and disposed of in a manner approved by the
department.
Major
Note: Solid biosecurity waste must be placed in the
biosecurity waste bin/storage device which must have a
secured lid.
12.9 Biosecurity waste must be transported by a
department approved waste transporter.
Critical
12.10 Biosecurity waste water must be disposed of by a
department approved method. Department approved
methods include disposal of waste water via discharge
directly to municipal sewer. The use of other waste
disposal methods must be approved in writing by the
department after demonstration of their efficacy to the
satisfaction of the department. Such methods may
require detailed scientific research at the AA site
holders' expense.
Major or critical
12.11 The biosecurity waste container must be:
Major

leak and pest proof
 labelled ‘Biosecurity Waste’.
Note: The separate storage device/area must be
department approved and be within the AA site to
prevent loss, spillage or unauthorised access.
Table 13 Operating requirements
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
13.1 The BIP must ensure that an Accredited Person
examines the inside of containers for the presence of:
Major

live or dead animals

live insects

plant, animal and soil contamination.
13.2 The BIP must ensure that an Accredited Person
examines the inside of containers for the presence of:

live or dead animals

live insects

plant, animal and soil contamination.
Critical
13.3 The live/dead animals, or live insects are recorded
on a biosecurity Risk Material Record and a copy of the
Biosecurity Risk Material Record is retained by the AA
site.
Minor
13.4 If plant, animal faeces or soil contaminants are
detected in the container, the BIP must ensure that:
Minor or major

the contaminants are removed and disposed of by,
or under the supervision of, an Accredited Person

the contaminants are recorded on a Biosecurity Risk
Material Record

a copy of the Biosecurity Risk Material Record is
maintained by the AA site.
13.5 If the contaminants cannot be removed at the AA
site, the container doors must be closed and the
regional office contacted.
Major
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
16
Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 14 Office and record requirements
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
14.1 Records are to be made available, within 48 hours,
for inspection by biosecurity officers.
Major
14.2 Office and general AA site requirements must
provide the department with the confidence that
applicable work health and safety standards have been
met, including:
Minor or major

providing a first aid cabinet/kit which is fully
stocked and meets the minimum commercial
Australian Standard (AS2675-1983: Portable first
aid kits for use by consumers)

providing vehicle parking for visiting biosecurity
officers (note: this may require department
identified parking or providing a parking permit)

ensuring adequate security for any departmental
technical equipment left on the site

providing access and the availability of:
a desk, chair and a telephone with direct
outside call access
-
toilet facilities
-
handwashing facilities and a hygienic means of
drying hands
-
suitable arrangements to ensure amenities are
clean
14.3 Additional mandatory requirements apply to AA
sites with permanent departmental officers. These
include having:

one lockable filing cabinet per officer

approximately 9 m2 of space for one officer and a
further 4 m2 for each additional officer or
departmental detector dog based at the site. Where
detector dogs are based at an AA site, the additional
4 m2 provided for the department's detector dogs,
must be visually segregated from work areas and
thoroughfares.
Minor
Table 15 Administration
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
15.1 To ensure conformance to the AA site
requirements, the department must be notified in
writing, at least 15 working days prior to any:
Major

modification to biosecurity areas where goods
subject to biosecurity control are stored or
treated/processed or otherwise dealt with.
15.2 Applications are to be accompanied by scale
drawings of the proposed area and biosecurity storage,
treatment/processing facilities and parking for
biosecurity officers.
Minor or major
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
17
Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 16A General
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
16.1 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be
maintained and processed at an AA site appropriate for
the biosecurity risk associated with the goods.
Major or critical
16.2 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be
maintained and processed in accordance with the
requirements of the relevant AA class.
Minor, major or critical
16.3 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be
maintained and processed in accordance with the
requirements of the relevant AA class.
Minor, major or critical
16.4 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be
maintained and processed in accordance with an
Import Permit.
Minor, major or critical
16.5 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be
maintained and processed in accordance with any other
direction from the department.
Minor, major or critical
16.6 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be
maintained and processed in accordance with the
Biosecurity Act 2015 and subordinate legislation.
Major or critical
16.7 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be kept
physically separated from other goods (including
during transport), to ensure negligible risk of cross
contamination to:
Major or critical

imported items that have been released from
biosecurity control

domestic items
 the Australian environment.
Note: Isolation can be achieved through the use of
distance or physical barriers. The amount of distance or
type of physical barrier required will depend on the
nature of the goods subject to biosecurity control.
16.8 The standard of hygiene at the AA site must be
appropriate for the nature of the goods subject to
biosecurity control.
Major or critical
16.9 Any equipment that has been used or brought in
contact with imported items subject to biosecurity
control, or which could have been potentially
contaminated by the imported items, must not leave the
biosecurity area until it has been processed (cleaned,
disinfested, decontaminated) or disposed of in
accordance with relevant AA requirements, import
conditions and departmental directions.
Major or critical
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
18
Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 16B General (continued)
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
16.10 Goods subject to biosecurity control are not
permitted to be moved outside an AA site except for the
purpose of:
Critical

moving directly and securely to another AA site, of
the appropriate AA class, with prior written
approval from the department

moving directly and securely to an AA site of the
same class (or of the same class but a higher
biosecurity containment level sub-class) that is colocated with the original AA site

transport of biosecurity waste by a department
approved waste transport company (operating
under an AA for biosecurity waste transport).
If the items are being transported by a non-Accredited
Person (such as a truck driver), the forwarding BIP
must ensure that this person is made aware of the
conditions relating to the transport of the items.
Major
16.11 Goods subject to biosecurity control are not
permitted to leave the biosecurity area of an AA site,
inadvertently or deliberately, without prior written
direction or approval from the department.
Critical
16.12 An Accredited Person must personally conduct or
directly supervise activities involving physical contact
with, or handling of items, subject to biosecurity
control. Directly supervise means that the Accredited
Person must be present in the area where the items
subject to biosecurity control are being handled and
must be able to:
Major

visually verify for themselves that the items are
being handled in accordance with the department's
requirements

communicate immediately and effectively with the
persons being supervised.
16.13 Persons performing the function of an Accredited
Person must have successfully completed the
department's approved training to obtain and maintain
Accredited Person status.
Major
16.14 Records must be maintained of Accredited
Persons.
Minor
16.15 Goods subject to biosecurity control must be
clearly and visibly identified as being under biosecurity
control to persons who can physically access the goods
or the containers holding the goods. The measures
taken must ensure that persons having physical access
to goods subject to biosecurity control can differentiate
between goods subject to biosecurity control and goods
that are not subject to biosecurity control.
Major
16.16 Ensure records are kept for a minimum of 18
months for goods subject to biosecurity control at the
AA site.
Minor or major
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
19
Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 16C General (continued)
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
16.17 Ensure goods subject to biosecurity control are
traceable in terms of (where applicable):

declaration/entry number

Major

Import Permit number

Major

Air Waybill or Bill of Lading number

Minor

date of receipt

Major

country of origin

Major

processing (including inspection, treatment, testing)
details

Major


Major
movement details


Major
release from Biosecurity Control


Major
disposal details


Major
storage location


Accredited Person responsible for the items.
Major
16.18 The BIP must ensure that persons having physical
access to goods subject to biosecurity control are aware
that such items must only be handled by an Accredited
Person or under the direct supervision of an Accredited
Person.
Major
16.19 A contingency plan must be in place to manage
unexpected events that threaten to compromise
biosecurity integrity of the AA site. Unexpected events
include:

appearance of pests or symptoms of disease

Major

structural damage (due to storms etc.)

Major

unauthorised removal of goods subject to
biosecurity control

Major


Major
spillages of goods subject to biosecurity control


Minor
sudden unavailability of an Accredited Person.
16.20 Ceasing or transferring operations - the
department must be informed, in writing, at least 15
working days prior to intended:

closure of a current AA site

relocation of the business, including the AA class
function

ceasing of operation as a AA site.
Major
Any goods subject to biosecurity control that remain at
the AA site must be treated or destroyed in accordance
with a department approved method or transferred to
another AA site with prior approval from the
department. The BIP will be liable for associated costs
Critical
16.21 If there is any doubt as to whether goods:
Major

are subject to biosecurity control

remain subject to biosecurity control
 become subject to biosecurity control
then the goods must be handled in accordance with
requirements for goods subject to biosecurity control.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
20
Approved Arrangements: 1.3—Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
Table 16D General (continued)
Requirements
Nonconformity guide
16.22 The BIP must notify the department in writing as
soon as practicable within
15 working days of becoming aware of any change of
status, not previously been notified to the department,
of the BIP or their associates relevant to the operation
of the AA in relation to any of the following matters:
Critical

conviction of an offence or order to pay a pecuniary
penalty under the Biosecurity Act 2015, Quarantine
Act 1908, Customs Act 1901, the Criminal Code or the
Crimes Act 1914

debt to the to the Commonwealth that is more than
28 days overdue under the Biosecurity Act 2015,
Quarantine Act 1908, Customs Act 1901, the Criminal
Code or the Crimes Act 1914

refusal, involuntary suspension, involuntary
revocation/cancelation or involuntary variation of
an Import Permit, quarantine approved premises,
compliance agreement or AA under the Quarantine
Act 1908 or the Biosecurity Act 2015.
16.23 Biosecurity officers, biosecurity enforcement
officers and department-approved auditors must be
provided access to the AA site to perform the functions
and exercise the powers conferred on them by the
Biosecurity Act or another law of the Commonwealth.
Critical
16.24 Departmental auditors or department-approved
auditors, must be provided with facilities and assistance
as requested, and any required documents, records or
things relevant to the audit.
Major or critical
16.25 The department must be notified of any
Reportable Biosecurity Incident as soon as practicable,
in accordance with the determination made by the
Director of Biosecurity.
Critical
16.26 Department-approved auditors must be
permitted to collect evidence of compliance and
noncompliance with AA requirements through actions
including the copying of documents and taking of
photographs.
Major or critical
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
21